Lumiscope Stethoscope and Blood Pressure Cuff Set - Includes Aneroid Sphygmomanometer, Manual BP Monitor, Stethoscope, and Carrying Case -Adult Cuff, 100-021

For patients with hypertension, home monitoring can help detect dangerous blood-pressure spikes before they cause problems. Tracking measurements over time also gives a better overall picture of health than a single reading at a hospital or clinic, where nervousness can often distort results. But the most sophisticated blood-pressure monitor in the world won't do a thing for hypertension if you need a nurse to help you use it. The Lumiscope self-taking blood-pressure monitor makes it possible to take the same kind of extremely accurate blood-pressure readings you get in the doctor's office, all without leaving your home. It's lightweight and highly portable, so you can keep track of your health on the road. And like most manual blood-pressure monitors, it's relatively unaffected by small movements and is not especially fussy about cuff placement and arm positioning. The D-bar style cuff makes it easy to get a good fit when you're taking your own blood pressure and have only one hand free: just pull down and cinch tight. The attached stethoscope is also a must if you're going solo. The measurement process involves letting the pressure out at the correct rate while listening for the thump through the stethoscope and simultaneously taking two readings on the gauge. The entire process requires a certain degree of coordination and is best employed after a few practice runs in the doctor's office. The bottom line: this is one of the easier-to-use manual models around, but it's still best if you have someone to help. --Mary Park

For over 80 years, Lumiscope has been developing, manufacturing and marketing quality diagnostic devices, as well as respiratory and thermometry products for hospitals, home health care companies, retailers and consumers.